Mohamed  Ibrahim BA Geography2013

Hi, I'm Mohamed Ibrahim and I studied BA Geography within Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Southampton.

Human Geography is very broad, so I have learnt about economic geography, cultural geography, tourism and many other areas. I find that you gain a broad general knowledge about the world, which I think every human being needs.

What have you enjoyed about studying at Southampton?

I have met some great people and it’s completely different from anything that I’ve done before. From an academic point of view, the course has been really good in the way it’s structured for example, the CIP modules, and from a social aspect, it’s been great getting to meet different people from different backgrounds from around the whole country and making friends outside the course. The clubs and societies that are on offer help you gain all of these transferable skills that you’ll be able to use later on.

Have you had an opportunity to do any of the CIP modules?

I’ve done three of them: Ethics in a Complex World, Sustainability in the Local and Global Environment and Global Health, in my second and third years. I found them really enjoyable, really useful and just slightly different from the usual Geography modules that we do. They’re very interdisciplinary and the assessment methods are very different. For example we had to make videos, do group presentations and write journal articles which helps you develop a lot of broad skills, so that’s what I really enjoyed about it.

And how have you felt that the University and Geography have prepared you for the outside world?

Human Geography is very broad, so I have learnt about economic geography, cultural geography, tourism and many other areas. I find that you gain a broad general knowledge about the world, which I think every human being needs.  Also, one of the main things I’ve learnt is critical thinking; being able to read an article and then critically appraise it and see what you can learn from it and what you would change, is really important.

Have you done any placements?

I did a six week summer placement teaching in with one of the societies that I was involved with called AIESEC (a programme designed to develop responsible, global leaders). This experience inspired me to become a teacher.

Were there any other clubs and societies that you were involved in?

I’ve been involved with the entrepreneurial society “Fish on Toast”; I was part of the Southampton Apprentice when they first did it in 2010 and I was a Surge Radio DJ in my first and second year. Overall, AIESEC has been the dominant society that I’ve been involved with during my time here.

How have you found the social side and the international community?

That’s been really good. I’m originally from Egypt but I’ve lived in Britain all my life so it was quite nice mixing with international students because I live in Poole which is quite a white area so it was great to meet lots of people from different backgrounds.

How have you found field trips?

In my first year we went to the Isle of Wight which was great as an introductory trip to get to know all of the other students. Then in second year, we went to Paris for one week, which was amazing; we looked at the urban landscape and carried out surveys. That’s what makes Geography, Geography; getting the practical experience.

What are you plans for the future?

I’m hoping to go into teaching so I’m taking a year out now to gain a bit more experience. I’ve done quite a bit at University but I just want to develop more and then I’m applying for my PGCE the following year.